A 19th Century folk hymn of unknown origin, "The Life-Boat" was originally published in The New Jubilee Harp hymnal in 1888 with three verses, credited to J.J.Denver (lyrics) & Miles H. Aborn (music). In 1894 it was published in another hymnal Tears and Triumphs: For Revivals, Sunday Schools, and the Home with first the first 3 verses and chorus listed "Anonymous" and 4 additional verses attributed to F. M. Babbin and music "arranged by" Jno. R. Bryant and copyrighted by Jno. R. Bryant. edited to Babbin. Through 1957 it was published in at least 37 different hymnals, most retaining the 1st 3 verses as anonymous and some adding yet another verse credited to Babbin. Today it is often sung with only two or three stanzas.
It has been recorded by gospel groups such as the Gaithers and bluegrass bands including Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver.